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The detection of X-rays has always been a frontier of scientific research. An Eu-MOF with both X-ray-induced photochromic and scintillation properties has been synthesized through the combination of a photochromism-active viologen ligand and rare earth Eu element with high-efficiency absorption of X-rays. In a bright environment, Eu-MOF exhibits different color changes under high-energy X-rays and low-energy X-rays, which can effectively distinguish X-rays. Eu-MOF can also be used for X-ray detection by scintillation properties in dark environments. This work provides a new perspective on the design of multifunctional materials that can perform simple X-ray detection in different environments.

Utilization of photochromism in photo-switchable white-light emitters (WLEs) is a challenging task. In an effort to achieve this, we have recently developed a new Gd-MOF using a photoactive pyridinium-based inner salt. The compound shows interesting photoswitchable bluish white light to greenish yellow light emission as a result of electron transfer, a phenomenon that has not been observed previously in photochromic crystal compounds.

CeO2–x quantum dots with massive oxygen vacancies are obtained by a one-step single molecular synthesis strategy. The yield of dimethyl carbonate from CO2 and methanol is more than 5 times that for commercial CeO2 nanoparticles.

A Pd/α-Al2O3 nanocatalyst with ultra-low Pd loading exhibits high activity and stability for CO oxidative coupling to dimethyl oxalate, which was prepared by a Cu(2+)-assisted in situ reduction method at room temperature. The small size and high dispersion of Pd nanoparticles facilitated by Cu(2+) ions are responsible for the excellent catalytic activity.

The double salts AgSCN·2AgNO3 and AgSCN·AgClO4 both feature an unprecedented µ5-1,2,3κS:4,5κN coordination mode of the thiocyanate ligand, which generates a two- or three-dimensional network according to the relative coordinating capability of the co-existing nitrate or perchlorate anion.

The new complex [NHMe3][Cu(CS4)], which was obtained by solvothermal synthesis, contains a two-dimensional 2∞[Cu(CS4)–] network consolidated by an unprecedented µ3-η1:η1:η2 coordination mode of the perthiocarbonate dianion.

In the novel double salt Ag2C2·2AgClO4·2H2O, the C22– dianion [bond length 1.217(7) A] is encapsulated inside an octahedral Ag6 cage, and the resulting cationic [C2@Ag6] units share corners to generate metallic layers between which the perchlorate anions and aqua ligands are accommodated.